The Scientist Who Yearned for Peace

Vegapunk's huge head filled the screen, his entire face rapidly magnifying.

"I am Dr. Vegapunk... a humble Genius Scientist. Greetings, Destruction Demon Lord Milim, and Big Mouth Fishman El."

El's face had been calm, but the instant he heard that nickname, he could no longer hold back. His whole face twisted. "Bastard! Don't just go giving people nicknames!"

"Is that so?" Vegapunk looked puzzled, then picked up a wanted poster beside him and gave it another look.

"But I wasn't wrong. The wanted poster does indeed say Big Mouth Fishman El."

"Just call me by my name. Don't call me such an embarrassing nickname again." El finally lowered his head helplessly.

"Then El it is. May I ask what you've come to Mechanical Island for? If you're here to travel, then you're welcome." Though Vegapunk wore a smile, a trace of wariness flashed in his eyes.

Milim shoved El aside and pressed her face close to the robot's screen. "Yo, Vegapunk! We came here for you, because we learned that you're a Genius Scientist who can create all sorts of inventions that make people's lives better."

"That's why we came all this way to invite you to join our Many Countries."

"You came looking for me because you think I can create inventions that will make people happier?" Vegapunk grew excited, asking eagerly.

"That's right!" Milim gave Vegapunk a thumbs-up. "Many Countries has only just been established, and we're in dire need of talented people like you."

"Besides, don't you want to invent technology that brings peace to the world?"

"Hahaha! Someone actually knows what kind of technology I want to invent?" Vegapunk danced with excitement. "At last, someone is willing to understand the kind of technology I want to create."

Suddenly, Vegapunk seemed to remember something. He smacked his huge head and said apologetically, "Sorry, sorry. I got too excited and forgot you're still out in this icy wilderness. What terrible hospitality. I'll open the laboratory entrance right away."

After Vegapunk pressed a few controls on the console, a hidden passage leading underground abruptly opened in the previously smooth snowfield.

The little robot took the lead and headed down the underground passage. As it went, Vegapunk introduced it, saying, "This robot is a snowfield robot I invented. It's generally used to guide people who have gotten lost in the snow."

"Sometimes, it can also help me survey various harsh environments."

"And this is only one of my insignificant inventions."

As he spoke, the little robot soon arrived before an iron door. The door opened, revealing Vegapunk standing behind it!

"Wow! Your head really is that huge." Milim flashed over to Vegapunk's side and stared at the enormous head atop his own.

Her eyes were filled with surprise and curiosity.

Milim asked curiously, "Can I touch it?"

"Of course!" Vegapunk waved a hand without a care.

Milim stretched out a finger and lightly poked that massive head. She found it no different from a normal head, except that it was simply much larger.

"I ate the Brain-Brain Fruit, making me a Brain-Brain Person. I can perfectly remember any knowledge I see. The more I remember, the larger my brain becomes, and over time, it turned into this." Vegapunk watched Milim's actions and explained with a smile.

"That fruit really suits scientists like you!" Milim quickly lost interest in Vegapunk's huge head and instead became fascinated by the various pieces of equipment in the laboratory, wandering among them as she spoke.

"You're not wrong, but it has indeed caused me some trouble. Though for now, the trouble still isn't too great." Vegapunk tapped his massive head and gave a helpless laugh.

"When it gets bigger and bigger in the future, I suppose I'll have to consider cutting it off."

"Cutting it off?" El stared at Vegapunk with his fish eyes wide in disbelief.

Vegapunk smiled. "Don't make that face. It's not like directly cutting it off as you imagine. I'll simply use technology to separate it."

El nodded. "All right. This is the first time I've realized technology can be so amazing."

"Of course. Technology is the foundation of everything. Only technology can allow civilization to advance rapidly," Vegapunk said proudly.

"That's why we're inviting you to Many Countries. We won't interfere with any of your experiments, as long as they can make Many Countries better." Milim picked up a vial and gave it a shake, speaking calmly.

"No matter how much funding your experiments require, we'll provide it unconditionally."

Vegapunk lowered his head and thought for a while before finally making up his mind.

"It seems I have no reason to refuse. But let me make this clear in advance: I don't like creating dangerous weapons." As he spoke, Vegapunk picked up a packet of gunpowder, lit it, and tossed it onto the ground.

"Compared to dangerous weapons, I prefer things that can create peace. Like this."

The fuse burned into the gunpowder, but instead of an explosion, one beautiful flower after another bloomed amid the flames.

"We don't want any destructive weapons. There's only one reason we came looking for you: you can make Many Countries better." El looked at the gunpowder on the ground with some emotion. This scientist actually longed for peace. In this terrible world, scientists like him were rare indeed.

Milim appeared beside Vegapunk. "Do you have any more of that gunpowder? Can you give me some?"

Vegapunk turned and saw Milim's sparkling eyes. He chuckled and pointed toward a warehouse nearby.

"That warehouse over there is full of it. If you want it, just take it all."

"Thanks!" Milim thanked him, then turned and ran toward the warehouse.

El took a deep breath. "So, Doctor, what's your answer?"

Vegapunk closed his eyes. A few seconds later, he suddenly opened them, and only determination remained in his gaze. "Then without question, I will pledge my loyalty to Many Countries."

"Many Countries welcomes you." El extended his hand and shook Vegapunk's.

Vegapunk, the Genius 500 Years Ahead of the World, had officially joined Many Countries.

El looked around the surroundings. "Dr. Vegapunk, is there anything you need to take with you?"

"There's nothing I need to bring. All my experimental data is stored in my brain." Vegapunk confidently tapped his head.

"In that case, we should leave as soon as possible."

"I have no objections."

Just then, a voice abruptly cut in. "El, I have a problem." Milim suddenly appeared between them, raising a hand high to show that she still had something to say.

"Big Sister, what problem do you have?"